Nature Field Guide
Water Anole
- Spanish name
- Anolis acuático
- Scientific name
- Anolis aquaticus
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “What clues help us recognize this reptile?”
Tati: “Let’s notice its shape, markings and habitat from a respectful distance.”
Species overview
About the Water Anole
Water anoles live beside forest streams and can dive into water when escaping danger. Their brown colors and pale markings blend with wet rocks and streamside vegetation. Researchers have studied their remarkable underwater behavior in Costa Rica.
Diving is a response to danger, not a trick to make a lizard perform. Stay still and watch from a safe path. Never chase an anole toward water, splash it or enter a stream to get closer.
Identification
Key Features of the Water Anole
Brown body with pale flank markings
Long tail
Close association with forest streams
Habitat & range
Southwestern Costa Rican stream habitats, with documented records from Osa and research around Las Cruces.
Local observations
Native reptile recorded in Costa Rica. Presence varies with suitable habitat and locality.
When to observe
Visibility varies with weather, habitat and the animal’s activity. Observe on an appropriate guided outing; never disturb a hiding animal to obtain a sighting.
Conservation & care
Observe with an adult from permitted paths. Do not catch, chase, touch or feed reptiles. Leave bark, logs, rocks and leaf litter in place. Keep pets away and allow animals an open escape route.
Threats & pressures
Protect habitat connections and natural shelters. Avoid road mortality, collection and deliberate killing. Leave reptiles in their habitat rather than keeping or relocating them.
Observation activity
Draw a streamside scene and mark a safe observation point on the path.